New Delhi: FIFA’s latest directive ahead of the 2026 World Cup has stirred up a wave of frustration across Texas after Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was told to strip AT&T Stadium will temporarily operate under the name “Dallas Stadium” during the tournament, a decision many fans say makes little sense both geographically and culturally.

The ruling came on December 5 and is tied to FIFA’s strict commercial rules which prohibited the use of stadium names linked to companies that aren’t official World Cup sponsors. FOX4 reported that every AT&T sign inside and outside the building will be covered throughout the event.

Name choice sparks online backlash

Fans likely expected a name change as FIFA requires it every cycle but the choice of “Dallas Stadium” is what set off the strongest reactions. The stadium sits in Arlington, roughly 20 miles from downtown Dallas and locals were quick to point out the mismatch.

AT&T Stadium in Arlington will have a different name during the 2026 World Cup due to the FIFA rules. ⚽️

FIFA doesn’t allow non-sponsor corporate names at World Cup venues, which means AT&T Stadium will temporarily be known as “Dallas Stadium.” Official sources tell FOX 4 the… pic.twitter.com/8LxqAkGWz6

— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) December 3, 2025

AT&T Stadium in Arlington will have a different name during the 2026 World Cup due to the FIFA rules. ⚽️

FIFA doesn’t allow non-sponsor corporate names at World Cup venues, which means AT&T Stadium will temporarily be known as “Dallas Stadium.” Official sources tell FOX 4 the… pic.twitter.com/8LxqAkGWz6

— FOX 4 NEWS (@FOX4) December 3, 2025

Why FIFA demanded charge

FIFA’s stance is rooted in protecting its commercial partners. The organisation has long enforced rules against what it calls “ambush marketing”, preventing companies outside its sponsorship portfolio from gaining visibility during the tournament. Since AT&T is not one of FIFA’s approved partners as its name can’t appear anywhere during World Cup matches.

AT&T Stadium is set to host nine games- five in the group stage, two in the knockouts and a semifinal. For FIFA that means nine high-profile broadcasts where branding control is non-negotiable.

Jones turns focus to Cowboys’ playoff fight

While fans continue to debate the naming fiasco, Jerry Jones hasn’t spent much time dwelling on it publicly. Speaking on December 7, the Cowboys owner addressed his team’s playoff hopes after a 44-30 loss to the Detroit Lions. Sitting at long odds hovering near nine percent Jones admitted the climb is steep but insisted the season isn’t lost. “Can we win out? Of course. Is it going to be hard? Double of course,” he said.

Dallas now enters a brutal closing stretch against the Vikings, Chargers, Commanders and Giants but even with the postseason pressure mounting, the World Cup naming drama has become a talking point that stretches far beyond football.